Belize Tourism Board has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Tourism that functions as a strategic partner between government and the private sector to develop, market and implement tourism programs that fulfill the emerging needs of our local industries and international tourism marketplace for the benefit of Belize and Belizeans.
Belize is a recreational and adventure destination within the Caribbean region and its attractiveness continues to be recognized by its local and international market.
Sustainability in Belize
Tourism plays a fundamental role in Belize’s GDP growth; this realization is a confirmation of the tourism industry’s significance and potential for further sustainable growth and investment.
It is a priority of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) to provide assistance and support to key tourism sectors and organizations throughout Belize; these include, but not limited to: historical and cultural causes, social causes and more. It is through these partnerships that they provide the necessary support to both groom the Tourism Industry of Belize as a more efficient, equipped and sustainable body as well as promoting and maintaining tourism allurements, such as: culture, history and natural wonders among others.
“Good day colleagues and partners of GSTC. The Belize Tourism Board is quite excited to become a part of this global effort to be leaders in sustainable tourism. The right thing to do is to encourage our stakeholders, our local communities and visitors to lead responsible practices while showcasing the beauty that Belize has to offer. We are ready to take the steps towards a more sustainable future for tourism in our region.” Director of Tourism, Evan Tillett.
Destination Sustainability Assessment of Belize 
In 2019, in attempts to plan for a sustainable tourism future, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) supported a destination assessment of Belize City. The GSTC Destination Assessment took place from April 2019 through May 2019, and was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. It was built on previous research, studies, and initiatives that were designed to improve the sustainability of the tourism sector in Belize City.
Learn more about the Destination Sustainability Assessment of Belize here.
GSTC Welcomes Belize
“We are glad that Belize has joined our global network as a GSTC member. Their dedication to sustainability is evident and we are honored to work side by side to promote sustainable tourism practices in Belize and beyond. Together, we can make a better, more sustainable future for everyone.” Says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in tourism development and management to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can help achieve certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
About Belize Tourism Board
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is the governing body of Belize’s Tourism Industry, focused on progressive and sustainable development. The BTB is the legislated body designed to govern, enhance and promote the Belize tourism product. The BTB undertakes numerous strategic initiatives as well as the implementation of tourism policies to address the changing needs of the tourism industry. The organization’s goal is to ensure the socioeconomic growth of Belize through prudent, transparent and effective governance.
More information here: https://www.belizetourismboard.org/
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
